Every year, hundreds of thousands of people immigrate to the United States. Many settle right here in Miami hoping to find better opportunities and looking to build a new legacy for their families in a new country. Part of establishing that legacy is taking advantage of the opportunity to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Obtaining U.S. citizenship offers many advantages to those willing to work for it. Aside from no longer having to deal with status issues with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, one can also hold jobs with the federal and state governments, is allowed to vote, enjoys the right to protection while abroad and ease of reentry when returning home, and can assist other family members in obtaining their citizenship. Yet for whatever reason, millions of immigrants currently living the U.S. that are eligible to apply for citizenship have yet to take advantage of this opportunity.
With September 17 being National Citizenship day, the “Ya es Hora” coalition has launched a new campaign encouraging the millions of Latino immigrants who are eligible for citizenship to finally take those last few steps in completing the naturalization process. Part of their goals are to get eligible Latino voters registered and voting in local, state, and federal elections. The coalition has worked in partnership with such national organizations as the National Council of La Raza and Univision Communications since its inception in 2006.
For those eligible for U.S. citizenship, taking the necessary steps to complete the process could be one of the best investments of time and effort made in their own futures as well as in those of their families. An immigration lawyer may be a useful resource to turn to while completing this process.
Source: MiamiHerald.com “Univision, NCLR kick off citizenship drive” Sep. 16, 2013